I moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, nearly three years ago after a lifetime in Alaska. My relocation criteria was unambiguous: I wanted to live somewhere with a vast and varied food scene, plentiful outdoor adventures, and a robust arts and culture landscape that would encourage my adult daughters to visit often. On paper, Chattanooga checked all of the boxes.
Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
All the Chattanooga Outdoors, Arts, and Dining You Need for a Long Weekend
For a Southern city that could easily be eclipsed by nearby Atlanta or Nashville, fast-growing Chattanooga holds its own, anchored by lightning-speed internet and picturesque scenery. While I soon fell into an overworking rut after moving there, a recent long weekend of exploration reminded me exactly why Chattanooga is an excellent place to retire — or visit, for that matter, whether for two days or two weeks.
From restaurants and nightlife to nearby wilderness opportunities, here’s a window into Chattanooga’s must-experience nature, culture, and dining.
Get an inside look at Chattanooga’s outdoors
Ruby Falls
Photo: Danielsen_Photography/Shutterstock
Just a few miles from downtown Chattanooga, you’ll find the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the US inside of a cave located deep under Lookout Mountain. Hear the love story of how Ruby Falls was both discovered and named on a tour that’s highly choreographed, entertaining, and heart-rending. The trip will take you down a glass elevator through a half-mile path ending with the waterfall and a light show — not for extreme claustrophobes.
Ruby Falls: 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37409
Chickamauga Dam
Take a two-and-a-half-hour paddle down the Chickamauga Dam on the guided Lock Kayak Tour hosted by Chattanooga Guided Adventures. Perfect for beginners and beyond, you’ll learn the history of how boats move from one reservoir to another by creating a makeshift elevator using water. Keep an eye out for plenty of waterbirds along the way — you’re bound to see plenty of blue herons, ospreys, and the occasional sandhill crane on your journey.
For a longer excursion, consider the Nickajack Bat Cave Sunset Kayak Tour, which starts with a roughly half-hour drive out of the city to Marion County. There, you’ll learn about the important role that gray bats play in helping farmers with pest control as you paddle to the mouth of Nickajack Cave. On arrival at the cave, expect to be awed as 100,000 bats emerge at sunset, ready to begin their workdays.
Tennessee Riverpark
Photo: Marcus E Jones/Shutterstock
Connecting the Chickamauga Dam to downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee Riverpark is a 13-mile paved system of picturesque open spaces, picnic tables, shelters, two boat ramps, and parks. Head to Coolidge Park on the riverfront, home to a renovated 100-plus-year-old carousel, an interactive water fountain, and a rock wall.
From there, rent a kayak, paddleboard, or bike from one of 43 stations at Bike Chattanooga Transit System, which has both motorized and non-motorized bikes. After, visit nearby Renaissance Park, the former site of manufacturing plants that’s been reimagined to include native plants, and to pay homage to cultures and events that are unique to Chattanooga.
Tennessee Riverpark: 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Walnut Street Bridge
Photo: Deron Levy/Shutterstock
Chattanooga plays host to one of the longest pedestrian only bridges in the world: Walnut Street Bridge. Built in 1890, the bridge connects downtown with the North Shore neighborhoods. Don’t miss the opportunity to cross the roughly half-mile structure on foot, admiring the Tennessee River below and Coolidge Park to one side.
Walnut Street Bridge: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
Photo: Marcus E Jones/Shutterstock
In Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood, stroll around 33 acres of green space on a well-maintained walking path to see more than 50 large sculptures by local artists. An outdoor museum with over 1.5 miles of trails, Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is a beautiful and quirky reminder of the city’s diverse cultural history. The museum is open daily and free to all — even your pooch (although dogs must be on leashes).
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park: 1800 Polk Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37408
Get cultural and stay entertained
The Edwin Hotel and Whiskey Thief
Adorned with nearly 100 pieces of predominantly local art, The Edwin is a boutique hotel where even the elevator doors are bedazzled. Visitors are welcome to roam the public areas to admire the curated collection — in fact, the hotel recommends carving out a few hours to do so. While the art is captivating, the views from the rooftop bar, Whiskey Thief, are just as arresting. Order a smattering of shareable dishes to see how the menu makes Appalachian flavors shine, along with a creative cocktail (or two) made with Tennessee whiskey.
The Edwin Hotel: 102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Wine Over Water
Chattanooga enjoys countless arts and music festivals throughout the year, including Wine Over Water, a now-bustling event held outside on the Walnut Street Bridge in August. More than 200 wines from around the world, including non-alcoholic options, are paired with food from local vendors. Enjoy the live music and take your seat on the bridge and relax.
Wine Over Water: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Comedy Catch at the Choo Choo
Comedy Catch is a long-running venue at the Choo Choo Hotel where top comedians have performed live since the 1980s. See who’s performing when you’re in town, or stop by for an open mic night. While you have to be 18+ to see the show, all performances are rated online from Clean Comedy to Rated R, so you can pick the comedy stylings that best suit your taste. While there, enjoy dinner and a beverage as you get your funny bone tickled.
Comedy Catch at the Choo Choo: 1400 Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37402
Feast on Chattanooga’s culinary scene
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
Expect a lunch-hour wait at Boathouse — the food is just that good. Order seafood dishes like the ahi tuna poke bowl with avocado, jalapeno, and wasabi mayo, and enjoy peeling shrimp or shucking oysters outside on the patio overlooking the Tennessee River. If seafood isn’t your thing, try the rotisserie chicken, smoked brisket, or pork nachos. Boathouse is conveniently located next to the Riverpark — perfect for taking a scenic stroll or bike ride after your meal.
Boathouse: 1459 Riverside Dr #4312, Chattanooga, TN 37406
State of Confusion
Known for its Peruvian ceviche, State of Confusion is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Brunch on the patio, complete with live music and indulgent dishes like fried chicken funnel cake, is a highlight. Along with STIR, another great Chattanooga brunch spot that also serves excellent espresso martinis and other cocktails, State of Confusion partners with the CHATT Foundation, helping to provide relief for people experiencing homelessness and low-income families.
State of Confusion: 301 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Ernest Chinese
Ernest Chinese is a reboot of the former popular restaurant The Flying Squirrel, now named in memory of the owner’s beloved cat. The upscale restaurant elevates classic Chinese dishes like egg fried rice, dan dan noodles, and gong bao chicken. If you want to do dinner and drinks, stop by during happy hour to enjoy one of the many tiki drinks on offer — like the Death Rattle, served in adorable, locally made ceramic cups — at half the price.
Ernest Chinese: 55 Johnson St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Tony’s is located in the Carriage House inside the Bluff View Art District, which is home to several eateries, outdoor spaces, an art gallery, and a bed and breakfast. Its Sicilian pastas and breads are handmade, and its sauces are elevated with tomatoes and herbs grown from its garden. Starters like the fried salmon medallions and calamari are worth the trip alone, while the view of the Tennessee River makes it too good to miss. Tony’s is also easily walkable to the Hunter and Houston museums, so it’s a perfect stop on a cultural sightseeing day.
Tony’s: 212 High St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Wooden City
From the blistered Hungarian peppers to the wood-fired bone marrow, Wooden City will have you channeling your inner Anthony Bourdain. Tuck into small plates and pizzas with a group, or keep house favorites like the spicy lamb rigatoni all to yourself. In addition to beer and spirits, Wooden City has an extensive wine list, with non-alcoholic beverages as a bonus.
Wooden City: 203 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Company
The Kinley Hotel throws down a proverbial welcome mat for all its guests, but it also has a secret side: Company. A speakeasy with a talented team of mixologists, Company revisits Chattanooga’s 1900s roots when over 30 legal distilleries flourished there before the Prohibition era. Enjoy a Prohibition-style cocktail and a light bite like truffle fries or deviled eggs in the dimly lit room with a copper bar top.
Kinley Hotel: 1409 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 